A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet and savory flavors, and this recipe for baked pears with feta, honey, and cranberries perfectly captures that essence. Friends and family rave about this dish, and let me tell you, it has become a go-to for gatherings and cozy dinners at home. The soft, tender pears contrast beautifully with the crumbly feta, and who doesn’t love a touch of honey to tie it all together? I remember the first time I made these they were a hit, and I still have the smell of baked fruit and warm honey lingering in my memory.

What makes this so good:

• The natural sweetness of the pears beautifully balances with the tangy feta.
• Dried cranberries add a delightful tartness and a pop of color.
• Quick to prepare, this dish takes just 30 minutes from start to finish!

Ingredients

• 4 ripe but firm pears (about 1 kilogram), halved and cored
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (75 grams)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped (40 grams)
• 2 tablespoons honey (30 ml)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Chopped walnuts for garnish

Smart Swaps:

1. Substitute feta with goat cheese for a creamier texture.
2. Use fresh cranberries or other dried fruits, like apricots, for a different flavor twist.
3. For a vegan option, replace feta with a cashew cheese spread and use maple syrup in place of honey.

Sourcing Tips:

• Always opt for pears that are ripe but still firm, as they’ll hold up better during baking. Look for a slight give when you gently press on the neck of the pear.
• When buying feta, try to get it from a deli if possible; the flavor is usually fresher compared to pre-packaged varieties.

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange the halved pears with the cut side facing up in a baking dish.
3. Drizzle the pears with olive oil and season with salt and pepper—make sure they’re lightly coated.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the feta cheese, chopped dried cranberries, honey, and fresh thyme. Stir until well mixed.
5. Fill each pear half generously with the feta mixture.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the top is slightly golden. The pears should be soft enough to pierce with a fork but still hold their shape.
7. If desired, garnish with chopped walnuts before serving. Enjoy your light appetizer or dessert!

Safety Note: When handling your baking dish, be cautious of the hot surface to avoid burns.

Serving, Storage, and Reheating

These baked pears can serve as a delightful appetizer or a light dessert. To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best consumed within 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Pro Tips

• Make-ahead: You can prepare the pears up to step 5 ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
• Transport: If taking to a gathering, cover your baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap to keep it warm.
• Re-crisping: If your pears lose their texture after reheating, try adding a light drizzle of olive oil before baking.

Quick Variations:

1. Spiced Maple Pears: Replace honey with maple syrup and add a pinch of cinnamon.
2. Nutty Caramel Pears: Drizzle with caramel sauce and add crushed pecans for a richer flavor.
3. Herb Infused: Experiment by adding rosemary instead of thyme for an earthier taste.

Every time I prepare this dish, I’m reminded of cozy evenings spent with loved ones, sharing stories over this beautiful, flavorful creation. Whether served warm or at room temperature, baked pears with feta, honey, and cranberries is sure to impress. Enjoy!

Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors with tender baked pears, crumbly feta, honey, and tart cranberries.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 ripe but firm pears (about 1 kilogram), halved and cored
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (75 grams)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped (40 grams)
• 2 tablespoons honey (30 ml)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Chopped walnuts for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange the halved pears with the cut side facing up in a baking dish.
3. Drizzle the pears with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, ensuring they’re lightly coated.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine feta cheese, chopped dried cranberries, honey, and fresh thyme. Stir until well mixed.
5. Fill each pear half generously with the feta mixture.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the top is slightly golden. The pears should be soft enough to pierce with a fork but still hold their shape.
7. If desired, garnish with chopped walnuts before serving.

Notes

These baked pears can serve as a delightful appetizer or light dessert. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for best taste within 2-3 days.

• Author: soukaina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Fusion
• Diet: Vegetarian